cctv 4 channel dvr recorder

Recording Options

If you want to be able to record your CCTV footage then the following factors need to be taken into account:

• Maximum length of recording time required
• Quality of recording
• Method of recording:
  • Continuous
  • Manual

Stand Alone CCTV 4 channel dvr recorder

These are rapidly becoming the most popular method of recording CCTV footage. Essentially a DVR is a standalone piece of hardware that is designed exclusively for recording CCTV footage. It has a number of clear advantages over the traditional analogue systems and these include:

• Storage Capacity – Days, weeks and even months of high resolution recording is possible through use of large capacity hard drives
• Consistent Quality Recording – No deterioration of image quality no matter how many you overwrite onto the recording device or how long you store the images for
• Viewing and Retrieval – Quick and easy access of footage due to digital format
• Transfer and Storage – The digital format allows ease of transfer and storage of footage. Transfer and storage capability is further enhanced by DVRs with built-in CD writers and USB ports.
• Remote Access – Many DVRs have the capability for remote access from anywhere in the world through use of a remote PC
• Multiplexed Recording – Capability to view and record multiple CCTV cameras simultaneously.

PCI Cards

These are digital video capture cards that can be fitted inside your existing PC to allow the connection of multiple CCTV cameras. The functionality and benefits of PCI cards is very similar to that of DVRs.

Detection

Even with systems that have a very long recording capacity, it is not always desirable to record continuously. Event-led recording is a more efficient means of capturing relevant footage and can be achieved by:

PIR Movement Detectors

Some cameras have PIR detectors built-in and for those that don’t it is possible to install a separate PIR as part of the overall system. In multiple camera systems with PIRs the footage that is being displayed on screen will automatically change to the area that has detected movement.

Video Motion Detection

This is used in digital CCTV systems and works by analysing the video signal from a camera. Changes in signal are recognised as movement and subsequently used to trigger recording if required.

All CCS digital systems allow users to mark one or more rectangular areas within the display screen and only when motion is detected within these areas will the system begin recording.

Where possible, use of PIR movement sensor is preferable rather than video motion detection, as it more reliable particularly for external use.

Time and Date Stamping

This feature superimposes the time and date onto your CCTV footage. Having this feature can be really useful to identify when an event occurred and was recorded, particularly if the footage is to be used for evidence purposes.